The Vengeful Princess

Chapter 21: International Relations

The impending Fall Ball arrived just in time with the rapidly changing seasons. Autumn's swift approach was announced by the bold and vibrant colours of oranges, reds and yellows that covered the grounds of the palace.

In theme with the name of the ball, we were ordered to dress in the colours of Autumn. Ivy's absence became especially prominent in the preparation for the ball. Despite Ella's protests that she could handle the commission of a new gown for the Fall Ball, I decided to rewear my red gown from the Initiation Ball. She had been especially busy with handling housekeeping matters as of late. Ella put up a brave face but I knew she was struggling to keep up with her newly doubled workload and anyone with eyes could tell that she missed having Ivy's presence around greatly.

From the few times that I had dropped by Amelia's room, I could see that the new adjustments had taken a heavy toll on Ivy too. Her spirit had dulled and she barely spoke anymore, even when I invited her to join our conversation. Amelia had commissioned a lavish gown for the Fall Ball, which unfortunately had Ivy working until the early hours of the morning. Grace had even sent her maids down to assist Ivy with the complicated design that Amelia had chosen. The fruits of their labour produced a magnificent feathery gown that hugged Amelia's body in all the right places and produced a fiery effect when she spun, adding to the illusion of a fierce phoenix rising from the ashes. Amelia looked stunning as she swirled around the dance floor in the arms of a dashing gentleman.

Grace had opted for a simple gown so that her maids could put their efforts into Amelia's gown, but even in that plain burnt orange garment, her beauty could not be hidden. Many had asked her for a dance, with Lieutenant Greyson being first in line.

"Not dancing with my brother tonight?" Charles appeared next to me at the dessert table, picking up a macaron and popping it into his mouth.

"Not hiding away in the gardens tonight?" I immediately shot back.

He sighed dramatically. "It's my duty as the Prince to make an appearance at these things once in a while. Just to remind people of my existence."

"You're here to waltz with that mystery girl you wouldn't tell me about, aren't you?" I glanced over to Charles who had gone mute. He watched the dizzying swirl of colours on the dance floor intently, entranced by the display. I searched the crowd for Alex, who hadn't shown up yet. Where was he? Grace and Lieutenant Greyson sailed past us, her gown fluttering behind her elegantly. On the surface, they looked like a perfect match. Their movements synchronised perfectly with Lieutenant Greyson's light footsteps leading the dance.

I nudged Charles teasingly, "Why can't you dance like that?"

"Shut up." Charles huffed.

I saw an opportunity to help Grace. "Go ask Grace to dance afterwards! She's courteous and kind and best of all, would never judge your stiff form."

But it looked like I had made one too many jokes at Charles' expense and his face darkened as he strode away.

♕

Cleo's presence seemed to have the same effect as the changing season, both bringing slight chills into the air with their arrival. Similarly, they both presented a warm image, Autumn with its warm colour palette and Cleo with her smiles, but slyly harboured a hidden coldness. What chilled me to the core was who Cleo walked in with. Alex. After he had unofficially asked me to go to the Fall Ball together too!

My mood now soured, I turned away as he took the dance floor with Cleo on his arm.

"Will you join me for a dance?"

Lieutenant Winters held out his hand expectantly. Taking his hand courteously, I followed him onto the dance floor. If Alex shall dance with another, then so shall I. I fell into step with him easily and forced myself to smile as we passed Alex and Cleo.